Big is the new MINI

MINI Malaysia has unleashed its new MINI Countryman lineup unto local roads, with two models – the MINI Cooper Countryman and MINI Cooper S Countryman. These new entrants are the largest and most versatile models in MINI’s 57-year history.

In terms of external appearance, the lineup features iconic design elements typical of the brand, including the three-way structure of the side view made up of its roof, glass house section and main body as well as short overhands, large wheel arches and downward increase in width. In what is a first, the MINI Countryman comes equipped with auto LED Headlamps with Cornering Lights, ensuring safer night drives.

Now, we delve deeper into the heart of both variants. The MINI Cooper Countryman is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder inline engine combined with a 6-speed automatic Steptronic transmission (0 to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds; top speed of 200 km/h) while it’s S-marked sibling gets a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission (0 to 100km/h in just 7.4 seconds; top speed of 224 km/h).

Built for the great outdoors.

As per most classy rides, the new MINI vehicles also feature Driving Modes, activated by a rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever. There are three modes altogether: MID (jack of all trades), SPORT (vroom vroom) and GREEN (fuel-sipping leisure).

Other features shared across both variants include the Automatic Tailgate with easy opener function – where a foot-activated sensor helps open the tailgate – very useful when your hands are full; a Picnic Bench (a first for the lineup); as well as the MINI Connected in-car infotainment system.

Unfold the picnic bench and smell the coffee.

The new MINI Countryman family also introduces two new paint finishes – Chestnut and Island Blue – on top of its existing colour schemes like British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, and Moonwalk Grey. There is a Thunder Grey scheme, available exclusively on the MINI Cooper S Countryman.

The estimated retail prices (on the road for personal registration, without insurance) are: